I need to find (or be) a great home for my Doodle :(

[Tori]

His name is Chewy. He is only a year and a half old. We got him at 8 weeks. I'm so sad writing this, we just can't keep up with him. He needs constant attention, someone with whom he will be their everything. He is absolutely adorable. He is also very quick to learn, but he is very much like his poodle side which comes out in his stubborness and his clever ways of getting our attention :)
We just had a baby 2 mos. ago and the demands of the the baby with the demands of sweet Chewy........well, it's just overwhelming and not fair to him.

As far as his pedigree... He is the offspring of a Yellow lab and a first generation Labradoodle....so I guess he would be called a doodle-lab :) He is curly haired, not lab-ish at all....he is really really cute and fluffy. As far as his temperment, he is incredibly sweet, loves to cuddle--(with me), fetch, and swim. I don't know what to do other than find him a new forever home . Please respond if interested. I live in Phoenix, AZ [e-mail]
--- Tori

[Tori]

I did call, she told me it can happen that a dog can have a darker eye. I told her everything, she told me it's probably just the color. I know that's not very thorough, and I feel kinda neglectful (at this point) for not bringing him in. It doesn't bother him at all, no watering, no scrathing, no gooeys, nothing, it looks just like a darker eye. I am going to look into a trainer for him, for this summer. Maybe I need to find a better vet??

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If the pupils are uneven sizes, it's not just a cosmetic thing, and really needs to be checked. If it's just that the irises are different colors, no biggie.

[Jeannine]

I think that for now you should concentrate all your efforts on finding a good trainer or training class and cool down you DH(!) for a little while. When he will see the good results on Chewy he will change his mind I'm sure.
Sorry if I was negative before, it hurt me so much to see those situation but now I want you to know that we are here for you to support all your efforts and help as much as we all can.

[Jeannine]

Did you try to attach him to you for a certain period of the day? As much as he is thinking of you as his, that will also form a very special bond between you two. He will not have any other choice than following you where you go and when you decide to go and do something else that what he have in his mind.
I know that it is not easy with a infant but maybe during the tome your baby is sleeping you can try that. It's work for me with all my dogs.

[Leslie and Halas]

I think a trainer is a great idea. And there is a wealth of information and encouragement here on DK. So use it as much as you can.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Yes, being on this site has made me realize my little Peri is a normal doodle with normal behavioral problems and she can be trained to be a forever companion! Ask away...there are new puppy owners on here and people that have probably owned 10+ dogs in their lives!

[Holly St Pierre]

Hello,

I can completely understand your frustartion & feeling of being overwhelmed. I can't imagine having little ones & trying to entertain & care for Gunner. We have no children, so he & I spend tons of time doing everything from trips to Starbucks, to hiking to doodle dates. I can see a big difference in him if its raining for a few days & we can't go out, so exercising him is a must. With little ones at home, I realize that seems impossible. Maybe ask your husband to do the hiking in the AM or stay with the kids & you take him for a good walk in the evening or better yet go as a family to a near by playground or park. You could also try to find others in your area, that would like to do play dates. Doodles are especially good for this, but other friendly outgoing dogs are great. Maybe you can take Chewy over & go back for him in an hour or two. Gunner went swimming on a play date last night for 2 hours & was still worn out this morning. It makes a BIG difference. You made the right choice to get on here, DK is perfect for any discussions that you want to have or be a part of. You have gotten some great advice. I wish you & Chewy the best.

[Tricia, Shiloh, Fenway & Tessie]

I'm glad that you are considering keeping chewy and getting the help you need to give him the opportunity to become the great pet that he can be. Neutering is #1, like everyone has said....but also, when the training starts, be sure to include the boys (children and hubby) so that they can help and understand how to get results from Chewy as well.

[Krista, Angel, and Toby]

I don;t know if you've ever watched Dog Whisperer, but Cesar Millan (THE dog whisperer) asserts that there are 3 basic needs all dogs have: Exercise, Discipline, and Affection, in that order. The number 1 thing is exercise. Please do encourage your husband to take Chewy for a long hike daily. Not only is that a bonding experience, but it is a NEED. If he can't take him for a hike, perhaps you can take him with you and the baby on a walk around the neighborhood? Next for discipline -- that doesn't mean hit the dog or punish him, but rather set up rules, boundaries, and limitations. (I am a fan of Dog Whisperer, but no expert, so take this in the nature with which it is given: somewhat informed suggestions) Perhaps make it clear to Chewy that he is not to go into the room with the toys to begin with. Crate Chewy when you can't watch him (but for no longer than a few hours, at his age -- less, if he's not used to it.)

I also find it helpful to keep chew toys in every room in the house that Angel (my puppy) is allowed to be in. That way, I can always divert her to a better object to chew than say my pants or the table leg.

Anyway, good luck! Whatever you decide, at least you know that you've considered ALL your options, and that there are options.

[Tori]

Oh my goodness thank you!!! I live in NW Phoenix, but I would love to get together sometime soon!!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I am so happy you are open to trying to keep Chewy. You are a new mom with two other boys to take care of. You are sleep deprived, half crazy from hormone changes, etc. Please hang in there. A lot of us have been there, it is tough, but not impossible.

Do not get the Don Sullivan tapes, they are not nearly as good as other books and tapes out there. You are at the point that you need a real life, in person trainer.

I am fond of lists when I am overwhelmed, overcommitted, and over the top!
So here is one for you - I promise it will help.

1) Neuter NOW - call today for the appointment. It will take several months for the full effect to take place and during those months Chewy is going to do a lot of maturing. Eighteen months is a very crazy time for an unneutered male. ( Think about a sixteen year old male human!) He WILL calm down.

2)Use Chewy's crate. Bring it back out if you have put it away. Feed him in it with the door open if he needs to get used to it again. Put him in it, when he needs to calm down - preferably where he cannot see any of you. Put him in it when you need a little time off. Buy some pig ears, large bully sticks and large antlerz. They are great for intense chewers (like Chewy and my Roo). He only gets them when he is in his crate.

3) When the baby is asleep, tie Chewy to you on a long (10-15) line. ( nylon rope with a cheap snap - all from the hardware store is fine). It is good for him and will bond him to you. Go about your normal activities, he'll figure out he needs to follow, put a few treats in your pocket and pop one in his mouth occasionally - he'll soon stick like glue. Depending on your ten year old, Chewy can be tied to him for short periods of time(1/2 hour). It will help them bond, keep Chewy out of trouble, and give you a break. You only need to be in sight and voice range.

4) Find a good trainer and involve your husband and ten year old in the whole process, take turns on the end of the leash. A good trainer will be more than willing to do this.

5) This too will pass! Honest! Just remember nothing needs to be perfect, 10- year olds can fold clothes, five year olds can feed Chewy dinner and earn a little respect from Chewy at the same time.The whole family can work together to keep Chewy. It will be a great family project. Do a little brainstorming on how everyone can help. I worry about you making a decision under such stress that might really impact your ten year old. Hang tough. I wish I lived close so that I could help you out.

[jamiegirl]

First of all, I want to commend you for coming out with your situation with Chewy. In my opinion, it takes a whole lot of courage to admit that everything is not going perfectly as planned. I don't have much advice to give because I think the experts on the site have already given great ones. I just want to tell you that it does get better. Our Jamie is only 7 months old so we are not out of the woods yet but I see a tremendous difference between now and pre-spay days. With regards to time, I consider the time that I take to walk her as my time. I take the 15 minutes listening to my music, clearing my head, taking in some fresh air. It isn't such a chore anymore when I think about it that way.

Please keep us updated on how the family is doing.